March 1, 2026 – "When Nicodemus Met Jesus" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

The 2nd Sunday in Lent

March 1st marks the 2nd Sunday in Lent. This week, in the sermon series "Face to Face & Heart to Heart," Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "When Nicodemus Met Jesus" will focus on Matthew JOhn 3:1-17.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader, goes seeking Jesus at night, with questions that reveal a searching soul. Although Nicodemus has built his faith around having the right answers, Jesus opens up a more expansive world to him, where his entry into eternal life is based not in having clear-cut answers but in opening himself up to the whims of the Spirit and the love of God who came to save the world. Meeting Jesus upends all our comfortable answers about faith and invites us into a deeper, messier relationship with our living God.

Notes from the Bench

Lent invites us into honest encounters—moments when we come face-to-face with Christ and discover that He already knows our hearts. In this week’s sermon, we reflect on Nicodemus’  meeting with Jesus, a quiet yet transformative conversation about being “born from above.” Our prelude, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, gently reminds us that when we reach out, we come to One who calls us friend. Elliott’s warm, expressive style invites us into that personal, heart-to-heart space of prayer.

Our offertory weaves together Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel with the chorus Seek Ye First, creating a beautiful dialogue between organ and piano. The steady, flowing canon undergirds the simple gospel refrain drawn from Matthew 6:33—“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” Like Nicodemus, we are invited to seek, to ask, and to draw closer in understanding.

The anthem Come Before Him with Song by Mark Shepperd calls us into joyful worship, while The Whisper by Craig Courtney reflects the still, small voice of God that often speaks most clearly in quiet moments—perhaps much like Nicodemus’ evening conversation with Christ.

The Hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, was written in 1758 by Robert Robinson when he was only 22 years old. The phrase “Here I raise mine Ebenezer” refers to 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel sets up a stone of remembrance, declaring, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The hymn’s line—“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it”—beautifully captures the Lenten journey. Like Nicodemus, we may come with questions or uncertainty, yet Christ meets us faithfully, again and again, drawing us face-to-face and heart-to-heart.

Our closing postlude, the Praeludium in A minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, sends us forth with energy and confidence. Bach’s music often balances intellect and devotion—heart and mind united in praise—echoing this Lenten season’s call to deeper understanding and faithful action.

Worship Service will also include the hymns Love Devine, All Loves Excelling and There's a Spirit in the Air. Come join us at 9:00 a.m. as we Worship Together. We hope something in this music and message uplifts and strengthens your spirit. You are always welcome here.

📺 Watch the full service here: Link

📖 Download the bulletin: Link